Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Municipality of Qatar has achieved a significant milestone, earning a five-star accreditation from the EFQM Foundation for its Urban Planning Sector. This recognition highlights the Ministry’s dedication to institutional excellence and quality performance aligned with international benchmarks. The achievement positions Qatar as a leader in governmental efficiency and service delivery within the region.
The announcement, made on December 15, 2023, signifies the first time a Qatari government entity has received this level of accreditation under the EFQM 2025 model. According to the Ministry, the accreditation reflects a commitment to improving public services and meeting the evolving needs of the community.
Ministry of Municipality Achieves Top-Tier Institutional Excellence
The EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) accreditation is a globally recognized framework for assessing and improving organizational performance. The Ministry of Municipality’s Urban Planning Sector underwent a rigorous evaluation process, demonstrating strength in strategy development, implementation, and achieving tangible results. This process involved a comprehensive external review by the EFQM Foundation, focusing on key areas of operational effectiveness.
Minister of Municipality, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, stated the accreditation is the result of sustained efforts to enhance institutional performance and the quality of services provided to the public. He emphasized the Ministry’s intention to extend this pursuit of excellence to other critical sectors, further improving municipal services across Qatar.
EFQM 2025 Model and Evaluation Criteria
The EFQM 2025 Excellence Model is a non-prescriptive framework that allows organizations to assess their strengths and areas for improvement across various aspects of their operations. These include leadership, strategy, partnerships, resources, and processes. The model focuses on creating sustainable value for all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, and the government itself.
The evaluation process reportedly involved detailed analysis of the Urban Planning Sector’s policies, procedures, and performance data. EFQM representatives assessed the sector’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver innovative solutions to urban development challenges. The Ministry’s commitment to urban planning and sustainable development was a key factor in the positive assessment.
EFQM itself lauded the Ministry’s efforts, describing the Urban Planning Sector as a “role model at the regional level.” The foundation highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to continuous improvement and effective governance. This positive feedback underscores the impact of the Ministry’s initiatives on regional standards for government performance.
The achievement comes as Qatar continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and urban development in preparation for major events and to diversify its economy. This focus on modernization and efficiency is driving the adoption of international best practices across various government sectors. The Ministry’s success with the EFQM accreditation is expected to encourage other entities to pursue similar standards.
The Ministry plans to use the EFQM accreditation as a foundation for further enhancements in its services and operations. This includes leveraging the insights gained from the evaluation process to identify areas for optimization and innovation. The long-term goal is to create a more responsive and effective municipal system that supports Qatar’s national vision. Additionally, the Ministry is exploring opportunities to share its experiences and best practices with other organizations in the region.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Municipality will focus on integrating the EFQM principles into the daily operations of its remaining sectors. While a specific timeline for full implementation hasn’t been announced, the Minister indicated a phased approach is underway. Observers will be watching to see how the Ministry addresses potential challenges in scaling its quality management system across a larger organizational structure and whether this leads to measurable improvements in citizen satisfaction and service delivery.
The EFQM Foundation has guided over 50,000 organizations worldwide in their journey towards excellence, fostering a culture of quality, innovation, and sustainable value creation. This latest accreditation demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to aligning with global standards and enhancing its position as a modern, efficient, and citizen-focused nation.
